About Us
Americans for Clean Water is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing practical, market-driven solutions that reduce litter and protect America’s waterways. We work at the intersection of environmental stewardship and economic strength—because clean water is not just an environmental priority, it is a foundational requirement for healthy communities and a resilient economy.
Our work is grounded in a clear, results-driven focus on tackling America’s litter problem. By addressing how materials are used, recovered, and kept out of the environment, we aim to deliver cleaner waterways, stronger communities, and more efficient, durable systems.
From rivers and lakes to the systems communities rely on every day, the impacts of litter and waste reach far beyond aesthetics. They affect public health, local economies, and the long-term condition of shared resources. The need for practical, scalable solutions to reduce waste and protect water has never been greater.
We believe the best solutions are those that align environmental outcomes with economic incentives. That means focusing on approaches that reduce litter, strengthen domestic supply chains, and support innovation—rather than relying on top-down mandates that increase costs without delivering results.
Protecting Water. Solving Litter.
Our mission is to promote policies and partnerships that reduce litter, improve water quality, and support a resilient, economically strong future for American communities.
We are focused on addressing the growing challenge of litter and its direct impact on waterways. By advancing effective recycling systems, encouraging responsible material use, and supporting infrastructure that keeps valuable resources out of landfills and out of our rivers, we aim to deliver measurable environmental benefits while strengthening the economy.
Our work is guided by a commitment to practical solutions that can be replicated and adapted—ensuring that progress is not isolated, but scalable and durable across communities.
What We Do
Americans for Clean Water serves as a bridge between policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental stakeholders to advance practical solutions that reduce litter and protect clean water. Our work includes:
- Policy Development: Advancing solutions that reduce litter and improve water quality while supporting economic growth and supply chain resilience
- Research & Analysis: Providing clear, data-driven insights on waste, recycling, and infrastructure challenges
- Coalition Building: Bringing together diverse stakeholders to align around practical, results-oriented solutions
- Public Education: Raising awareness about the connection between litter reduction, clean water, and modern industry
Our Approach
We take a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to reducing litter and protecting waterways. Clean water should not be a partisan issue—it is a shared priority that requires solutions that work in the real world.
Our work is grounded in approaches that have demonstrated real-world effectiveness. We focus on refining and applying these methods in ways that reduce litter at scale while remaining practical, cost-conscious, and broadly supportable.
We focus on solutions that:
- Deliver real, measurable reductions in litter and pollution
- Strengthen domestic industries and supply chains
- Encourage innovation and private-sector leadership
- Avoid unnecessary costs on consumers and small businesses
Why It Matters
Litter is one of the most visible and solvable threats to America’s waterways. It impacts not only ecosystems, but also communities, public spaces, and the systems people rely on every day.
Clean water is essential—not just for the environment, but for communities, jobs, and long-term economic strength. Whether it’s supporting local economies, protecting public spaces, or preserving the natural resources Americans depend on, reducing litter is a critical step in protecting what matters most.
Americans for Clean Water exists to ensure that as our economy evolves, our approach to waste and water keeps pace—delivering cleaner environments, stronger communities, and lasting results.